Labor leader Dean Winter has pledged to introduce $100 sports vouchers for every Tasmanian child if elected, positioning the policy as both a cost-of-living measure and a health initiative.
The program would be funded by scrapping the Liberal government’s $10 million ‘Eat Local, Stay Local’ tourism and hospitality voucher scheme, which Winter described as “a reckless thought bubble” created in response to issues with the Spirits of Tasmania service.
The vouchers would cover extracurricular sports activities outside school hours, including soccer, football, swimming and dance, and would complement rather than replace the existing Ticket to Play program.
Winter said the initiative addresses growing financial pressures on families while encouraging physical activity among young people.
“With the rising cost of living, many families are struggling to cover the cost of these activities. Our sports vouchers will help relieve that pressure, making it easier for young people to stay active and engaged,” he said.
The Labor leader said the long-term health benefits of the program are vital, suggesting it would build “a healthier, stronger community for the future and reduce long-term strain on our state’s health system.”
The Liberals last year launched their Ticket to Play initiative while in government, which gave out $100 vouchers to reduce the cost of sport and active recreation membership and/or registration for eligible children.
